Report: Canadian Campuses Rife with Antisemitism

A two-year investigation by the CPCCA revealed Jewish students face anti-Semitic slurs while sympathetic professors fear for their careers

By Gabe Kahn

First Publish: 5/14/2012, 11:09 PM

Canada

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Canada's government may be pro-Israel, but its universities aren't according to the Parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (CPCCA) report on anti-Semitism in Canada released last week.

Mario Silva, Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry appointed by the CPCCA, said his two year investigation concluded anti-Semitism is alive and well in Canada, especially in the universities.

The report cited the anti-Semitic atmosphere on campus is reflected both in expressions of traditional anti-Semitism and Israel bashing, which denies the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and a homeland.

Frequently applied tactics by anti-Israel activists, he said, including the use of symbols and tactics employed by the Nazi regime and the Israeli government, and conferring on all Jews culpability in Israel's policy decisions.

The report noted these tactics go far beyond legitimate criticism of Israel and present a new expression of anti-Semitic discourse.

The Commission of Inquiry heard testimony from of students and professors about the pervasive hostile atmosphere in Canada's universities.

Jewish students who expressed open support for Israel were subjected to harassment by both fellow students and lecturers, and offensive slurs.

Lecturers who identified with the Jewish students told the Committee they were afraid to speak out openly for fear of endangering their academic careers.